EID AL FITR

Celebrating Eid-Al-Adha with Family Traditions and Rituals.

What is Eid-Al-Adha, and How is it celebrated?

Eid-Al-Adha is one of the two most important festivals for Muslims all over the world. (Called the Greater Eid - lasts for four days) It marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, and is celebrated with great joy and passion. And marks a time of sacrifice in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God. On this day, Muslims offer Qurbani (sacrifice) as an act of gratitude to Allah.  In commemoration of this intervention, animals are ritually sacrificed. 1/3 of their meat is consumed by the family that offers the animal, while the rest of the meat is distributed to the poor and the needy

Eid-Al-Adha is celebrated with much enthusiasm worldwide. People gather together in mosques to perform special prayers and exchange gifts with family and friends. There are also special food preparations made on this day that are shared among family members and friends. This festival celebrates faith, devotion, unity, love, kindness, and brotherhood among people all over the world.

Exploring Traditional Practices & Celebrations for Eid-Al-Adha in Different Cultures

  1) Arafa day

1. Arafa day is an Islamic holiday that falls on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic Calendar. It’s the second day of Hajj pilgrimage and is followed by the holiday of Eid al-Adha.
2. At dawn of Arafa day, Muslim pilgrims will make their way from Mina to a nearby hillside and plain called Mount Arafat and the Plain of Arafat. It was from this site that the Islamic prophet Muhammad gave one of his last sermons in the final year of his life. Some Muslims hold that part of the Quranic verse announcing that the religion of Islam had been perfected was revealed on this day.
3. On Arafa day (9 Dhu al-Hijjah) before noon, pilgrims arrive at Arafat, a barren plain some 20 kilometres (12 mi) east of Mecca where they stand in contemplative vigil: they offer supplications, repent and atone for their past sins, seek mercy of God, and listen to Islamic scholars giving sermons from near Mount Arafat. Lasting from noon through sunset, This is known as 'standing infront of Allah  (wuquf), one of the most significant rites of Hajj. At Masjid al-Namirah, pilgrims offer Zuhr (Dhohr) and Asr prayers together at noon time. A pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafat.
4.  Fasting on the Day of Arafah for non-pilgrims is a highly recommended Sunnah, which entails a great reward; Allah forgives the sins of two years. It was narrated from Abu Qatadah that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked about fasting on the day of 'Arafah, and he replied “It expiates for the past and coming years”.
5. Eid-Al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important religious festivals in the Islamic calendar. Every year, Muslims around the world celebrate this festival with great joy and enthusiasm. The celebration of Eid-Al-Adha is a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael for God's sake. This festival is celebrated by Muslims all over the world in different ways and with different customs and traditions. 

2) Eid-Al-Adha, On the Third day of Hajj (10th Dhu al-Hijjah) is the main day festival day of Eid, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant religious festivals in the Islamic calendar. Every year, Muslims around the world celebrate this festival with great joy and enthusiasm. The celebration of Eid-Al-Adha is a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael for God's sake. This festival is celebrated by Muslims all over the world in different ways and with different customs and traditions.

Eid Al Adha Preparations – Decorations and Gifts to Get Ready for the Festival

Eid Al Adha is a festival of celebration and joy, and making preparations for it can be a fun activity. Decorating your home with festive decorations and giving gifts to your family members are some of the best ways to get ready for the festival. From traditional lanterns to handmade cards, there are plenty of decoration ideas you can use to make your home look festive. You can also find a variety of Eid gifts that will show your loved ones how much you care about them. Get ready for the festival by getting creative with decorations and thoughtful with gifts! Traditional lanterns: Lanterns are an easy way to add a festive flare to any space. You can also purchase lantern sets online or in stores that come with strings, candleholders and other decorations. If you want to create your own lantern from scratch, try making it out of cardboard and paint it with gold paint for a truly unique design! Flowers are the decoration that will freshness and set a beautiful atmosphere. Make your own bouquet by collecting beautiful flowers and arranging them in a vase. You can also buy flowers online to make your family and friends feel special. Dry fruits are the most common gifts during the festive season, Dry fruits, chocolates, and nuts hampers will spread joy and good health and bring a bright smile to your loved one’s face.

Things to do on Eid festivals

• Eid Prayer. Muslims attend Eid Prayer after sunrise.
• Sacrificing.
• Visiting relatives and family members.
• Contacting relatives and friends (who are far).
• Children giveaways. (Small amount of money or sweets).